Issues: Tribal

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $150,000 in special funding to help boost tourism by promoting fishing tournaments throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will support more than a dozen tournaments throughout the region she represents. Included in the total funding is $20,000 for the Evan Williams Bourbon Bassmaster Elite at the St. Lawrence River, which will take place this week in Waddington.

“Whether you’re a competitive angler or someone who likes to fish for fun, there’s no disputing that fishing is a big part of our way of life here in Central and Northern New York,” said Senator Ritchie.

The New York State Senate will be celebrating Earth Week by acting upon an extensive package of 27 bills that would create new protections for natural resources, promote energy conservation, help create green jobs, and increase tourism through enhanced recreational opportunities. Senate Majority Leader Dean G.

"Chanukah is the celebration of miracles, a reminder that all things are possible," Senator Parker said. "As you celebrate the spirit of Chanukah with friends and family, I wish you health, happiness and good fortune." The holiday celebrates a legendary victory of the Maccabees, a band of Jews, over a Greek army that occupied the Holy Land. After the battle, the victorious Maccabees found only a one day supply of oil in the temple to light the lamps. But the oil burned miraculously for eight days, the story says.

"Today’s announcement of an agreement between the Seneca Nation and the State of New York to resolve several longstanding issues regarding the Seneca Nation’s gaming operations and its associated revenue is welcome news for Western New York, its economy and its important relationship with the Seneca people. Citizens are always best served when mutually-vested interests work through differences to advance common goals. I thank Governor Cuomo, the Seneca Nation and my legislative colleagues for having the perseverance to realize this day."

The NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) is setting new rules to speed the processing of insurance claims in areas affected by Storm Sandy. The new regulation reduces the amount of time an insurer can delay its decision on a claim, and requires insurers to report to the Department on how many claims it is delaying and the reasons for the delays.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.

Highlights of the Executive Budget:

· Eliminates $1.3 billion budget gap with no new taxes or fees. The expected gap for 2013-14 was projected to be $17.4 billion prior to the last two responsible budgets.